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Choosing a Cable Reel Roller: A Buyer’s Guide for Electricians and Wholesalers
June 19, 2024
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Categories: Blogs, Manufacturing, OSHA, Electrical
If you work with electrical cable, odds are you’ve used a reel roller. In the context of the electrical industry, however, what is a reel roller?
A reel roller is a tool for dispensing cable, wire, and similar materials from their storage reels. While there are many designs, all reel rollers include two or more rollers, which form a storage bed, plus an outer frame. Depending on the model, the reel roller frame may be outfitted with fork pockets, casters, bolt holes, or other means of transportation and/or installation.
To use a reel roller, you place the cable reel on the roller bed. When you pull the end of the cable, the rollers rotate, allowing you to easily dispense your cable in any length you need.
So why do electricians need reel rollers? Because pulling cable can be slow, difficult work, and reel rollers simplify this task. They save time while improving safety. In addition to providing even payout during installation, cable reel rollers can also help transport cable and wire around the jobsite.
In this article, we’ll outline the features of three cable reel rollers from BHS, Inc. We’ll also explore other options for hauling and paying out cable, including options for wholesalers and distributors.
Why Cable Reel Rollers Are Essential Equipment for Electrical Installations
The term cable reel roller refers to material handling equipment (MHE) designed to hold reels of wire or cable during payout. Safety catches prevent the reel from rolling off of the unit, while the roller platform allows for even payout with minimal effort from the installer.
This is notably different from jack stands, which suspend the reel during payout, and Parallel Reel Payout systems, which have built-in spools that are loaded with cable or wire prior to installation.
You may need all three of these products for larger electrical installations — but cable reel rollers are particularly versatile, since they’re portable enough to move around the jobsite. A well-engineered cable reel roller can reduce the ergonomic hazards associated with cable pulling. Just as crucially, it can substantially improve productivity while protecting key resources from damage.
Cable Reel Rollers vs. Jack Stands: Which Is Better for Pulling?
Choosing a Reel Roller for Electrical Work
For optimal benefits, you’ll need a cable roller designed for the task at hand. Here are a few solutions to consider when planning your next job.
Use Case: General installation of electrical and data cable, including high-resistance reels. The Dyna Reel Platform (DRP) is also compatible with BHS spooling equipment, which makes it ideal for distributors and wholesalers looking for a value-added service. 
Dyna Reel roller platforms feature a small footprint of 46" by 32" — barely larger than the cable reels they hold. A steel-plate loading ramp simplifies access, while the rear roller adjusts up to a usable width of 36 ⅝" to accommodate reels of all common sizes. The powder-coat finish resists scratches, abrasion, chemicals, and acids.
The Dyna Reel Platform is available with an optional Tie Down Kit, which secures reel axles to the base for efficiently paying out high-resistance reels. A full complement of ball transfers, steel rollers, and heavy-duty hex shafts contribute to smooth operation for filling reels or paying out cable.
Distributors can pair the Dyna Reel Platform with the Spooling Caddy as a turnkey spooling solution: Bulk cable reels can be quickly loaded and delivered to the jobsite.
With a maximum capacity of 5,000 pounds, the Dyna Reel Platform is capable payout equipment that also allows fully loaded cable reels to be stored safely at ground level.
Use Case: Installing electrical and data cable, while utilizing lift trucks or pallet jacks to move resources around the worksite. 
As its name implies, the Dyna Reel Platform Attachment (DRPA) is identical to the Dyna Reel Platform, but with built-in fork attachments for improved mobility. It enables industrial truck forks to lift, transport, reposition, and pay out cable resources from reels of any size. Note: The DRPA-PJ provides the same capabilities, but with attachments for pallet jacks.
The DRPA is an excellent tool for electrical material distribution centers, where they provide highly flexible cable handling for stock and take-up reels. As with the Dyna Reel Platform, the base design avoids contact with cable, limiting resource loss; front roller stops have a usable width of 32 5/16” or 37 ⅝".
Note: The Dyna Reel Platform Attachment is not intended for overhead payout; the platforms must be lowered to ground level before use.
Use Case: Installing Cat 5, Cat 6, and other low-voltage cable, particularly in small spaces. 
The BHS Reel Taxi® is designed for paying out low-voltage data cable between 12 and 24 inches. It deploys easily and simplifies transport and positioning of small cable reels. With locking casters, adjustable rollers, a maximum carrying capacity of 400 lb, it’s a versatile solution for smaller jobs.
The Reel Taxi’s small footprint makes it ideal for use in server rooms and other small spaces. Poly guards protect spools during travel and payout, and provide long-term durability.
Like all BHS material handling equipment, the Reel Taxi is designed for ergonomics. Foot-activated brakes on each wheel lock the unit into place during payout, and the poly-coated rollers with sealed bearings prevent slippage, limiting awkward movements and excessive physical strain.
Ergonomic Solutions for Electricians and Distributors
In addition to cable reel rollers, BHS produces a range of ergonomic material handling solutions for every stage of the jobsite.
Spooling Caddies can create more efficient payout for construction electricians; they can also load delivery reels at electrical supply houses. Wire Pull Carts can store reels of up to 3,000 pounds, delivering steady payout while protecting supplies when not in use. And Parallel Reel Payout systems provide a lifetime of service, allowing for efficient custom paralleling or reliable long-term storage. 
Our goal is to provide solutions that add long-term value to your operation. All cable reel rollers and other electrical material handling products can be custom-engineered as needed to meet your operation’s needs.
BHS provides custom equipment with minimal lead times through our 148,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in St. Louis, Missouri, equipped with robotic welders, state-of-the-art laser technology, and CNC machining. To learn more or to find a dealer near you, contact the BHS Sales Department today at 1.800.247.9500.
